Andrew Findlay - Screenwriter and Author

By Andrew Findlay May 2026

Boats have always been part of my life. Growing up on the East Coast of England, sailing equaled freedom and discovery; sailing in dinghies from age eight to later sailing in larger boats in France, Los Angeles, and San Francisco Bay. Those formative and following years are still the source of enduring memories with family and friends, and being around boats continues to have a calming effect on me.

I discovered Spaulding out of necessity: a bottom paint for the 25-foot sloop that we share with our son. My entry was from the dock—no doubt the same portal through which others have entered this unique maritime gem; but like so many people, I had only seen Spaulding from the outside without ever stepping through the gates. After dropping off our boat, it was soon obvious that this incredible place was far more than a boatyard. It was a kind of living museum, a fortress from the outside world, dripping with history, memories, craftsmanship, and, soon to be revealed, an underlying sense of purpose beyond yacht maintenance.

Such was the seductive nature of this extraordinary boatyard that the idea of volunteering quickly appealed. While pondering this thought, I met Executive Director Matt Zarem in the yard and mentioned my background as a filmmaker. It took less than a minute for Matt to find just the right job for me. Make a documentary film for them! For my part, I was ready to sweep the dock and clean bilges; but despite not having directed in many years, I agreed. Like sailing or riding a bike, it’s not something you forget. That conversation was last summer, and we are about to deliver the finished product.

Andrew planning the Spaulding documentary

So to backtrack a bit…shooting this documentary offered me a unique insider’s view of the Spaulding Marine Center. Instead of observing it as any visitor might, I was able to witness the daily rhythm of the yard, the restoration work, the vital apprentice program in action, and the quiet dedication behind every repair—whether applied to a classic yacht or a modern fiberglass powerboat. In short, it was an amazing experience. And I didn’t have to get my hands dirty, wear knee pads, or a hazmat suit!

At heart, I’m someone drawn to meaningful places, honest work, and a slower, more intentional way of living. I believe that there is wisdom in coastal life — in places where people still gather by the docks, where mornings begin with salt air, and where children can grow up with a sense of freedom, imagination, and closeness to nature.

The thing that struck me overall, though, was the people. Everyone at Spaulding, from staff to volunteers to apprentices, shares passion and enthusiasm as the backbone of a tightly-knit community and, most importantly, home to the outstanding Boatworks 101™ apprentice program. Here, I saw knowledge and skills taught with patience, by experts, to preserve the maritime heritage of the yard’s founder, celebrated yachtsman and boat designer Myron Spaulding. This amazing apprentice program forms a large part of our documentary for its commitment to bringing much-needed new talent to the maritime trades and unique opportunities for young people in need of direction and a career. Unusually, Spaulding actually pays their apprentices and finds internships upon completion of the course. Incredible! 

This obviously costs a lot of money. So I truly hope that anyone reading this will consider becoming a benefactor to a unique program. If you have a lot of money, give a lot of money. You’ll be sending someone out into the maritime industries to carry the flag. The success of Boatworks 101™ is amply featured in our documentary, which will be on the Spaulding Marine Center website to show the living results of any donated dollars!

Yes, I know, I’m plugging the film…but working on it also gave me a much deeper appreciation of the valuable work of the volunteers who quietly help to make Spaulding possible. Their time, effort, and belief in the mission creates real impact, from Susie Woodrum’s library, to Pierina Del Avo’s guidance of the young people who join the 101 program, to the vital community kitchen.

This is a very rare institution. It’s open to the public. You just have to step through the gates